Steven Gerrard announced his line-up for the second leg of Thursday’s Europa League qualifier, and Rangers fans were thrilled to see Daniel Candeias back on the right with Jamie Murphy dropped.
Rangers have got a 1-0 lead to defend from the first leg at NK Osijek and are firm favourites to take their place in the next round, where they’ll meet Maribor or Chikhura Sachkhere.
However, at 1-0 you’re never safe and it’s a crucial test for Gerrard’s men just a few days before the start of the Premiership season.
The team news was announced on the official Rangers Twitter page on Thursday evening, ahead of the 7.45pm kick-off at a sold-out Ibrox.
? Your #RangersFC team for tonight's @EuropaLeague match against @nkosijek at a sold-out Ibrox Stadium. pic.twitter.com/c3OrNrevbN
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) August 2, 2018
Rangers face Aberdeen away in a tough test on Sunday but must navigate their way through this game tonight – a run in the Europa is a big part of Gerrard’s plans for the season.
And they’re pleased with a strong line-up but very happy to see Candeias back out wide after looking poor in midfield.
Here are the best reactions to the Rangers line-up:
Candeias on the right. Good stuff.
— Dave (@dcmfw21) August 2, 2018
https://twitter.com/EG72_/status/1025075675382853633
Love that lineup Candeias in on the right will cover For Tav only downside is there’s not one defender on the bench that’s a huge issue that needs to be fixed
— Harrison Crowe (@harricrowe) August 2, 2018
Candeias in for Murphy ?? spot on lineup
— Simon McQ (@simonmcq) August 2, 2018
https://twitter.com/Michael1872_/status/1025071773266726918
Glad Candeias is back in for tonight. Important player when played in right position and Murphy was needing dropped imo.
— NS (@1872_ns) August 2, 2018
https://twitter.com/McCoistAndy/status/1025076748063580167
OPINION
IT’s a strong line-up tonight and the fans approve. Daniel Candeias hasn’t been suited to a central midfield role and fans are thrilled that he’s been unleashed back out on the right wing tonight. The side, with Candeias in his natural position, should have far more than enough for Osijek and we’re predicting a comfortable win by two or three goals.